New Orleans-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sariyah Idan unveils her new album, Live In Berlin, Vol. 2, a 13-track collection of songs blending elements of jazz, folk, hip-hop, and Latinx/Caribbean savors.
Talking about the album, Idan says, “Songs for me are like letters, not just the lyrics, but the whole vibe. ‘Live In Berlin’ is a love letter to both Berlin and New Orleans. Without these two cities, this album would not exist. Both are cities with vibrant art and culture scenes and complex histories. Both are also cultural satellites in their respective countries that are going through times of great upheaval.”
She adds, “‘Live In Berlin’ is my first project that is fully live, fully solo on voice, guitars, and foot percussion, and also includes covers of some of my influences. It is me in my stripped-down, one take, raw, emotional vulnerability, dancing my drums and riding the roadmap that each song lays out. Leaning on my background as a theater artist, each set is crafted into an arc of sonic and lyrical journey. These sets are split into two volumes and two separate releases so that each set breathes as its own musical movement, peppered by brief interludes and banter with the audience.”
Idan has performed at elite venues, including The Kennedy Center (DC), Skirball Cultural Center (Los Angeles), Nuyorican Poets Cafe (NYC), PANDA Platforma (Berlin), and The Jazz Museum (New Orleans).
In 2019, she released her debut solo album, Breaking Shadows, followed by 2023’s Glitter & Blood. At the beginning of 2026, she released Live In Berlin, Vol. 1. Idan has shared the stage with Pete Seeger, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Yusef Lateef.
Highlights on the album include the opening track, “Sun Is Shining,” written by Bob Marley and Lee “Scratch Perry.” Idan’s smoky, sultry vocals imbue the lyrics with thick, sweet timbres that perfectly complement her unadorned, plucking guitar.
Shrouded in mystical flavors of love, there’s something magnetic about “Erev Shel Shoshanim.” Idan’s evocative voice infuses the tune with the essence of love. Whereas “I’m A Warrior” features a wonderfully rolling rhythm topped by Idan’s rich, strong vocals. It’s one of those voices that shift easily from thick and sensuous to light and coquettish.
“I’m a warrior / My weapon is love.”
The Latin-flavored “Gracias A La Vida” allows Idan to show off the range and finessed phrasing of her velvety voice. Light and luminous with darker accents, her guitar serves not only the melody but as a backdrop for her dramatic vocals.
A personal favorite because of its voluptuous flow, “Shine” closes the album. Lifted from Idan’s Breaking Shadows album, the tune is at once elegant and at times vehement yet always evolving in colors and textures.
An unpredictable, masterful record, Live In Berlin Vol. 2 reveals the refreshing intimacy and freedom found in live, solo performances.
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